EVERY parent knows that looking after a young child is a full-time job.

EVERY parent knows that looking after a young child is a full-time job.

But because so many of us are unwilling, or unable, to compromise our earning potential, childcare is, for many, a serious headache.

Which is why it's no surprise that almost one-quarter of all children in the UK under the age of 12 are now cared for by a grandparent.

When our daughter Evie was born it was taken as read that my wife would be going back to work as soon as she could, partly for financial reasons, but also in no small part because she loves her job.

All through the pregnancy we debated how to make it work - would the grandparents go for it? In the end it was an open and shut case.

My wife's mother Ellen, 59, was as keen to take on looking after Evie as we were to have her do it. She now has her three days a week.

We all agreed that at just seven months old, we'd all be happier if Evie was with family.

Ellen, who still works part-time, is of course giving up some of her own earning potential to help us out. But I know that she's also more than happy to play such a massive part in her granddaughter's young life.

It's clear that I've got a lot to thank Gran for. But do I also want to thank the Chancellor?

His plan to pay Ellen's national insurance contributions while she's giving us free childcare is certainly a step in the right direction.

Somewhat unnervingly though, it also puts a government stamp on an arrangement that was originally willingly entered into, no questions asked.